Unknowns seize their NBL moment

With big names falling off the pedestal in the National Basketball League (NBL), space has opened up for 'unknowns' to move into the spotlight.

So far, the opportunity has been seized by the KCCA Panthers and JT Jaguars, who have the best records outside of the Namuwongo Blazers. KCCA secured their maiden victory over the City Oilers on Monday as they improved to 5-1 on the season, while the Jaguars are 5-2 so far.

The two meet on Friday in a contest between the NBL’s best teams behind the unbeaten Blazers. Both lost heavily to the Blazers this season but secured historic wins over the Oilers that cemented their rising status.

The Oilers have fallen off the pace, but they insist their troubles are temporary.

“We will be okay,” warned Oilers manager Mohammed Santur after the reigning champions’ 68-57 loss to KCCA on Monday.

Both the Panthers and Jaguars reached the playoff quarterfinals last year, but the ongoing struggles of the KIU Titans, who are winless in five, and the unpredictable state of the rebuilding UCU Canons mean there is a huge opportunity for one of them to make a maiden run to the semifinals.

“We still have a long way to go,” said KCCA coach Raymond Muhumuza following his side’s win over the Oilers.

There is indeed a long way to go, with half the first round, second round, and playoffs still to come. KCCA and the Jaguars will have to pass the test of durability if their early-season gains are to be maximised.

This Friday, however, the two sides will turn the guns on each other, hoping to build on their burgeoning reputations as NBL movers and shakers.  

National Basketball League

Results

Women

UCU 81 Nkumba 47

KCCA 84 Nabisunsa 49

Men

KCCA 68 Oilers 57

Namuwongo 81 Livingstone 44

UCU 63 KIU 46

Today

Women

Jaguars v UCU (Lugogo)

Men

Livingstone v UCU (Lugogo)

Victoria v Sommet (YMCA)

KIU v Rezlife (Lubowa)